Kinda stoked

Last week I volunteered to design a logo for Loudoun Valley Vineyard. This has to be up there for cool design projects. Granted it's just a logo, however, it's for a place that contributes to my favorite past time. Enjoying wine. The sad thing is that I've never actually been to Loudoun Valley Vineyard, but have heard good things. Apparently they have events where you can bring your dog and they also have fall/winter soup days. To me there's nothing better then having an oaky, buttery Chardonnay on a fall day while sipping some butternut squash soup.

So back to the logo. I'll admit I didn't spend a plethora of time on it (after-all I'm just getting paid in wine ;)), but I have to say I think it turned out pretty good. I sent them two options, but this one is my favorite.

After designing the logo I decided to check out some of the other Virginia vineyard logos to see how it compares. Here's a list of logos that kick my logo's a$$ :/.

Blue Mont Vineyard
Box Wood Winery
Flying Fox Vineyard
Gray Haven Winery
Three Foxes Vineyard

Hurricane season and it's effects on the vines

For those of us living in Virginia we just had an extremely wet Saturday. Actually, the past three weeks have been on again off again rain. Tropical storm Hannah just came through and dumped a few inches on us. For those in the grape growing business, this is not the most ideal of weather. Usually with grapes the drier, the better. With excessive rain comes root rot as well as dilution and splitting of the grapes. It will be interesting to see how the 09s fair from this weather.

Fox Meadow

A short drive from Linden Vineyards is Fox Meadow Winery. This winery probably has one of the best views in the area and rivals what you would see if you hiked a mile on skyline drive. They're situated about 1700ft above sea level. It's a very nice set-up with a large wrap around deck that overlooks the stunning views.

Fox Meadow updates their tasting menu week-to-week which makes it a good option to keep coming back. Another nice thing they do is that they pair their wines with recommended foods. Granted it's a morsel of food, but still it's nice to have a pairing to bring out the flavor of the wine. They definitely get creative with their pairings as well (think rice krispy treats).

WINE REVIEW FOR FOX MEADOW WINERY

Chardonnay 2006

Nose: floral, fruity, honeysuckle, pear
Taste: floral, fruity, butter, fig, pear, zippy

This Chardonnay has a brightness that dances on your tongue. It's steel barrel fermented but still has the big bold flavor of a chardonnay that's been fermented in old, french oak.

Linden Vineyards

I can't think of a better vineyard to start with than Linden. The vineyard and property completely charmed me the first time I entered it (not to mention their wine). I've been to Linden over 50xs and their wine never seems to disappoint. They're an hour away from DC off of exit 13 on 66. The drive up is very scenic.

Once you've made it to the vineyard you'll notice that the location is gorgeous with views of farmland and mountains. The architecture is rustic, but contemporary with wood beams across the ceiling and modern art on the walls. There are tastings in the front room and they have cellar tastings for $12 every 45 minutes. They have an indoor seating area with a wood burning stove to warm you up in the winter, plus they have outdoor seating on the deck and picnic tables on the main lawn. You can order cheese, baguettes, smoked salmon etc. However you have to be a case club member (purchase a case a year) in order to take advantage of the seating/picnic areas. To be honest Linden wines are excellent, so it's well worth the case. If you can't do the case, at least enjoy a tasting. The wine is fantastic and the people are very knowledgeable and friendly.

WINE REVIEWS FOR LINDEN VINEYARDS

Seyval 2007

Nose: Grapefruit, apples, lemon, hint of honey
Taste: Bright, refreshing, crisp, grapefruit, citrus

This wine literally dances on your tongue... almost effervescent. It's incredibly bright and crisp. Perfect poolside wine for those of us who don't like sweet wine and want something light and refreshing.

Claret 2004

Nose: Spicy, fruity, black cherries, black currents, hint of spice
Taste: Woody, fruity, very smooth, but heavy in flavor. Black cherries, mild tannins, subtle spice flavor

The wine is a rich, dark red and completely unfiltered. The nose is extremely pleasant, lots of black cherries and currents. The flavor is robust, but smooth... lots of cherries, but a slight spiciness to it. It's full-bodied with a lasting finish.

Hardscrabble Red 2005

Nose: Barnyard, fruity, grassy, earthy, plum, currants
Taste: Flinty, fruity, black cherries, earth, plum, smooth finish

Mild tannins with a slight bite. Has a mild earthy flavor and nose that compliments the heavy plum undertones.